Endoscopic biopsy for the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis at the fourth ventricle outlet with hydrocephalus

Clinical characteristics and outcome of hydrocephalus in neurosarcoidosis: a retrospective cohort study and review of the literature

Hydrocephalus is reported in approximately one-tenth of neurosarcoidosis patients. However, data on clinical characteristics and outcome are lacking. In this retrospective study, we present 11 patients with neurosarcoidosis and hydrocephalus on neuroimaging. Median age was 52 years and seven were female (64%). Presenting symptoms consisted of headache in 8 out of 11 (73%), vertigo in 5 (46%), gait abnormalities in 4 (36%), diplopia in 2 (18%) and decreased visual acuity in 1 (9%). Cranial imaging showed obstructive hydrocephalus in 10 (91%) and non-obstructive hydrocephalus in 1 (9%) out of 11, obstruction occurred at the level of the fourth ventricle in 6 out of 10 (60%). Treatment consisted of glucocorticoids in all the patients with additional methotrexate or azathioprine in 6 (55%) and infliximab in 1 (9%) patient. Neurosurgical intervention was performed in 10 out of 11 (91%) patients. Treatment led to remission, improvement or stabilization of disease in 9 out of 10 (90%) of patients. One patient died due to cerebral herniation despite neurosurgical decompression and CSF shunting. Median modified Rankin scale score at last follow-up was 2 (range 0–6). A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on hydrocephalus due to neurosarcoidosis identified 36 patients that compared to our patients had a lower median age at onset and a higher mortality. Acute obstructive hydrocephalus due to neurosarcoidosis is a potentially fatal medical emergency requiring neurosurgical intervention and initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. If patients survive the initial phase, the outcome is generally favorable.

Aseptic meningitis and hydrocephalus secondary to neurosarcoidosis

A 53-year-old woman presented to hospital with gait instability, urinary incontinence and confusion. She had a 4-month history of headache, blurred vision, personality change and memory problems. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain after contrast application showed tectal plate and occipital enhancement, as well as a known hydrocephalus. Cerebrospinal fluid showed aseptic meningitis with no evidence of clonal expansion. After further imaging that showed generalised lymphadenopathy and subsequent tissue biopsy that showed granulomatous lymphadenitis, she was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis. She was treated with steroids which resulted in immediate cognitive and motor improvements as well as resolution of her urinary incontinence. We discuss the features of this case that pointed towards neoplastic, infective and other autoimmune aetiologies. We describe how they were excluded and provide the rationale for our treatment. This case demonstrates an important sequela sarcoidosis, and we conclude by recommending a multidisciplinary approach towards its diagnosis and management.

Endoscopic Management for Recurrent Hydrocephalus Associated with Neurosarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Recurrent hydrocephalus may occur as a complication of neurosarcoidosis with chronic inflammation. We present a case that required a combination of multistage endoscopic diversion of the cerebrospinal fluid pathway and shunt surgery.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 34-year-old man presented with progressive nausea and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hydrocephalus with leptomeningeal enhancement along the base of the fourth ventricle and the bilateral foramina of Luschka. Concurrent endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy were performed. The diagnosis was neurosarcoidosis. Immediately after the procedure, the endoscopic third ventriculostomy stoma was occluded, and a right ventriculoperitoneal shunt was urgently performed. However, left unilateral hydrocephalus developed during the late phase of immunosuppressive therapy for neurosarcoidosis. Endoscopic septostomy with repositioning of the ventricular catheter was indicated. Intraoperative findings included a white pasty tissue with nodules that covered the ventricular wall close to the foramen of Monro and sealed the side holes of the catheter. Chemotherapy with a tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor was initiated after the surgical procedure. The patient had an uneventful course without recurrence of hydrocephalus for >6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic diversion of the cerebrospinal fluid pathway should be actively considered for treating hydrocephalus without a shunt and performing biopsy simultaneously. Even if a subsequent shunt is needed, complex hydrocephalus can be avoided with a combination of endoscopic techniques.

Hydrocephalus as the presenting symptom of sarcoidosis: A case report and review of literature

Hydrocephalus is rare in sarcoidosis, especially as the presenting symptom. Neurosarcoidosis as a cause of unexplained communicating hydrocephalus should be considered in cases of abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and negative infectious and tumoral studies.

Neurosarcoidosis: unusual presentations and considerations for diagnosis and management

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis is a chronic, multisystem disease characterised by non-necrotising granulomatous inflammation of unknown aetiology. Most commonly, the lungs, lymph nodes, skin and eyes are affected in sarcoidosis; however, nervous system involvement occurs in approximately 5%-15% of cases. Any part of the nervous system can be affected by sarcoidosis.

CASES

Herein we describe three unusual patient presentations of neurosarcoidosis, one with optic neuritis, a second with hydrocephalus and a third with cervical myelopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

We include pertinent details about their presentations, imaging findings, pathology, management and clinical course.